299. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Defence the current availability of Air Corps aircraft and personnel to assist the emergency services in responding to major forest and wildfires; whether Air Corps operations in support of firefighting efforts are restricted to daylight hours; her views on reports that Air Corps aircraft arrive at fire scenes at approximately 10 a.m. and cease operations at approximately 5 p.m. despite fires continuing to burn throughout the day and night; whether she is satisfied that the current level of aerial firefighting support is adequate; and whether consideration will be given to extending Air Corps availability and operational hours during significant wildfire incidents to provide continuous support where required. [58898/26]

I can confirm following requests to my Department officials from the National Directorate for Fire and Emergency Management and in line with the Strategic Framework for Emergency Management, the Irish Air Corps assisted on a daily basis with aerial firefighting to the wildfires in both Wicklow and Tipperary over recent days within its operational means and capabilities, which included operating up to the late evening when required. I am advised that officials at central and local government have indicated their satisfaction with the assistance provided.